CHAPTER XVI.

Dr. Seward's diary continued.

It was just a quarter before twelve o'clock when we got into the churchyard over the low

wall.

The night was dark with occasional gleams of moonlight between the rents of the heavy

clouds that scutted across the sky.

We all kept somehow close together, with Van Helsing, slightly in front as he led the

way.

When we had come close to the tomb, I looked well at Arthur, for I feared that the proximity

to a place laden who's so sorrowful a memory would upset him.

But he bore himself well.

I took it that the very mystery of the proceeding was in some way a counter-actant to his grief.

The professor unlocked the door and seeing a natural hesitation amongst us for various

reasons solved the difficulty by entering first himself.

The rest of us followed and he closed the door.

He then let a dark lantern and pointed to the coffin.

Arthur stepped forward hesitatingly.

Van Helsing said to me, you are with me here yesterday.

Was the body of Miss Lucy in that coffin?

It was.

The professor turned to the rest, saying, you here, and yet there is no one who does not

believe with me.

...